"Well, out with it, Joe! Don't keep me in suspense." And then a slight smile broke over the young man's face.

"I don't think what I've got to say can take you by surprise, Mr.Bunting." And Bunting wagged his head in a way that might mean anything--yes or no, as the case might be.
The two men looked at one another for what seemed a very, very long time to the elder of them.

And then, making a great effort, Joe Chandler brought out the words, "Well, I suppose you know what it is I want to talk about.

I'm sure Mrs.Bunting would, from a look or two she's lately cast on me.

It's your daughter--it's Miss Daisy." And then Bunting gave a kind of cry, 'twixt a sob and a laugh.
"My girl ?" he cried.